During his two-day stay in the former British colony, Hau said he will also try to push for more exchanges between Taipei and Hong Kong, including opening direct flight services between Taipei's Songshan Airport and Hong Kong.

Soon after his arrival, Hau traveled to the Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground, where he met with Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing, who is also chairman of the preparatory committee for the 2009 Hong Kong East Asian Games.

Hau also invited Tsang Tak-sing to attend the Deaflympics, to which the official replied that he will attend if he can obtain permission from Donald Tsang.

In addition, Hau proposed resuming the Taipei-Hong Kong city forum that was held twice between 2000 and 2007 when President Ma Ying-jeou was mayor of Taipei.

He also expressed hope that Hong Kong's representative office in Taipei will expand its services to boost bilateral exchanges in the fields of economy, trade, tourism and culture.

He was scheduled to meet Donald Tsang later in the day.